Search The Archive
"A supernatural game-changer that started a franchise and set the rules for all things jiang shi." – Time Out Hong Kong
A godfather of jiang shi – or Chinese hopping vampire – films, Ricky Lau's Mr Vampire is uproarious beyond measure: a hugely fun film that reigns as a cult cinema must-see for fans of Hong Kong cinema, horror or comedy.
A rich man hires an elder priest (Lam Ching-ying) to re-bury his father, but all goes horribly awry when the corpse turns out to be a vampire that flies through the air and drains mortals of their life force. Many shenanigans ensue, including kick-arse fight sequences and a ghost that flings her dismembered head. Only sticky rice can save them.
With an unrelentingly fast pace, foolhardy stunts and extravagant set-pieces, this is one MIFF screening sure to incite whooping and applause.
"More than lives up to its reputation … For viewers who think they've seen it all, or anyone wondering where Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon came up with the notion of pairing martial arts and bloodsucking villains, Mr Vampire is a must-see." – AV Club